aos
Students who commenced study in 2013 should refer to this area of study entry for direction on the requirments; to check which units are currently available for enrolment, refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your area of study.
This area of study entry applies to students commencing this course in 2013 and should be read in conjunction with the relevant course entry in the Handbook. Any units listed for this area of study relate only to the 'Requirements' outlined in the Faculty of Science component of any bachelors double degrees.
| Managing faculty | Faculty of Science |
|---|---|
| Offered by | School of Biological Sciences |
| Campus(es) | Clayton, Sunway |
| Coordinator | Dr Gerry Rayner (Level one); Dr Richard Burke (Levels two and three); Dr Heather Verkade (Honours); Dr Kumaran Nayaranan (Sunway) |
Notes
- Unit codes that are not linked to their entry in the Handbook are not available for study in the current year.
- At Sunway campus only a minor sequence is available in this area of study.
Description
Genetics is the study of genes, their structure, function, transmission and evolution, and encompasses a rich and diverse range of research topics. Genetics lies at the centre of biology because the same basic genetic principles apply to microbes, plants, animals and humans. The genetic code provides the blueprint for life and every aspect of biology, from development, physiology and biochemistry through to behavior and ecology, is ultimately controlled by the products of genes and their interaction with the physical environment. Genetics underpins many exciting areas of science such as biomedical science, biotechnology, conservation biology, and forensics, and graduates with a major in genetics find employment in medical and agricultural research institutes, hospitals, government departments, schools and universities, patent firms, genetic counselling services, forensics laboratories, and biotechnology companies.
Learning outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
- explain the principles of genetics, its approaches and methodology at the molecular, cellular, organismal and population levels
- demonstrate advanced practical skills in experimental methods relevant to genetics, such as recombinant DNA technologies, genetic breeding experiments, analysis of transgenic organisms, gene expression analysis, contemporary genotyping methods, the use of modern laboratory equipment and data analysis software
- explain and apply bioinformatic and genomic approaches for contemporary genetic research
- integrate principles of experimental design, including the use and manipulation of model genetic organisms
- describe and synthesise the applications of genetics in medicine, biotechnology, agriculture and environmental management
- demonstrate, in the context of the discipline, the graduate attributes of effective communication, quantitative literacy, information and communication literacy, inquiry and critical thinking, and ethical, social and international understanding
- undertake further study, teaching, research and employment in genetic research or the practical applications of genetics.
Units
Level two
Level three
Sequence requirements
Minor sequence in genetics (24 points)
Major sequence in genetics (48 points)
- BIO1011 and either BIO1022 or BIO1042
- GEN2041 and GEN2052
- four of GEN3030, GEN3040, GEN3051, GEN3062*, GEN3990, or MOL2011
Major sequence in genetics and molecular biology (48 points)
- BIO1011 and BIO1022
- MOL2011 and MOL2022
- GEN3040 and any three of GEN2041, GEN3030, GEN3051*, GEN3062*, or GEN3990
* This unit has compulsory level-two prerequisites that will need to be taken in addition to the level two units that are part of this sequence.
Requirements for honours in genetics
- 24 points of relevant level three units, of which normally 18 points are genetics units.
Additional information
Level one
Students studying genetics in their first year will take BIO1011 (Biology 1) plus BIO1022 (Biology 2) and/or BIO1042 (Environmental biology). The focus in first year is to acquire basic knowledge of the inheritance of genes, the structure and expression of genes and the principles of population genetics as a stepping stone to the comprehensive treatment of these subjects provided at level two.
Level two
Students wishing to complete a major in genetics must complete the two level two genetics units GEN2041 and GEN2052. Together these units provide a comprehensive grounding in all the concepts needed for the advanced, specialised genetics units offered at level three. Students wishing to complete a major in genetics and molecular biology must complete the level two molecular biology units, MOL2011 and MOL2022, and it is highly recommended they also complete GEN2041. In the level two genetics units students examine in detail how genes interact both with other genes and with environmental factors to control traits. The nature of the 'gene' is explored in detail, including gene regulation, function and mutation. Students explore how the availability of whole genome sequences for numerous organisms allows us to ask how genetic variation in individuals or in populations arises, is maintained, and allows species to change, adapt and evolve. Finally, students are introduced to the basic molecular genetic 'toolkit' that allows researchers to manipulate and study genes in a wide range of genetic model organisms from prokaryotes through to complex multicellular eukaryotes.
Level three
In the level three genetics units students investigate specialised areas at the cutting edge of modern genetic research, building on the concepts gained in earlier levels. Studies in GEN3040 examine recent knowledge relating to the details of gene regulation in eukaryotes; explore recent advances arising from whole genome approaches to study gene function and address evolutionary questions; consider applications of recent discoveries in areas of importance to national and international health and also sustainable food production and security. In GEN3030 students investigate how genes and genomes provide the blueprint that so reliably drives the growth and development of organisms from the starting point of a single-celled zygote to the end point of a mature adult with its complex array of different organs and tissues, using the same basic genetic machinery to produce organisms as startlingly diverse as fungi, insects, plants, fish and mammals. GEN3051 examines the role our genes play in human health, development and evolution and how disease can arise due to a mix of genetic defects and environmental influences, and how forensic science exploits our genetic similarities and differences to identify individuals from biological samples and to determine relationships between individuals. In GEN3062 students explore how evolutionary processes shape patterns of biodiversity by focusing on genetic diversity in an ecological context, what it is, how to measure it and how it underpins adaptation and contributes to successful biodiversity. All level three units involve extensive practical work exercises, and for high-achieving students keen to get into a real laboratory, GEN3990 is available, a project-based unit where the student carries out a research project in the laboratory of one of the genetics academic staff.
Honours
In addition to the requirements listed above, students must meet the entry requirements for the Science honours program relevant to their course of enrolment. See the entries for:
- 2340 Bachelor of Environmental Science
- 3520 Bachelor of Science Advanced with Honours
- 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science
- 2188 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program)
Full details regarding the course structure for honours in this area of study are outlined in course 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science.
Relevant courses
Single degrees
- 2340 Bachelor of Environmental Science
- 0050 Bachelor of Science
- 3520 Bachelor of Science Advanced with Honours
- 1120 Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program)
Double degrees
- 0530 Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
- 3537 Bachelor of Arts (Global) and Bachelor of Science
- 3528 Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Bachelor of Science
- 1469 Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science
- 3517 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Computer Science
- 3711 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education
- 1633 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education
- 3278 Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and Bachelor of Science
- 4609 Bachelor of Environmental Engineering and Bachelor of Science
- 3282 Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering and Bachelor of Science
- 0085 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Engineering
- 0086 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws
Honours degrees
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